Timer-actuator



W. H. KUNTZ Oct. 10, 1950 TIMERACTUATOR 3 Sheets-Sheet '1 Filed Dec. 20,1948

ooooooocSKbooe O o 2 O O J o m z 0 3 o W O Z Mw w w M w. H. KUNTZ TIMER-ACTUATOR 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed De.' 20, 1948 JJJL Oct. 10, 1950 w. H. KUNTZ 2,525,607

TIMER-ACTUATOR Filed Dgc. 20, 1948 3 Sheets-Shut 3 7% 10 7& H0 74 M4 /72 A'r reams-Y Patented Oct. 10, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TIlVIER-ACTUATOR William H. Kuntz, Dayton, Ohio Application December 20, 1948, Serial No. 66,309

16 Claims.

This invention relates to a timer-actuator or such device that performs an act of power actuation after a designated interval of time.

One object of the invention is to provide a simple compact and powerful device, which in its simplicity provides a single power device that both drives the timing mechanism and then performs the actuating function selected.

Another object of the invention is to provide a timer-actuator mechanism that can have its action member connected to the load only after the power assembly has been conditioned for performing the selected act.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism of the class described in Which the power means for performing the action must be fully charged before the load actuating member can be coupled with the device to be actuated.

Another object of the invention is to provide a timer-actuator embodying the maximum of safety, in that it can be coupled to a device to be actuated only by a definite and single sequence of acts, whereby the tripping of the device is certain to perform the intended operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a unit with a quickly separable mounting plate whereby the actuator may be quickly transferred from one installation to another.

The foregoing objects and advantages are accomplished by providing a rugged structure of simplicity demountable with respect to a mounting plate securely affixed to the article, or parcel, with which it is to be coupled. The mounting plate may be fixed to any type of load such as that designed to be lowered to the ground by means of a parachute or rotary wing device, or it may be fixed in relation to some mechanism that is to be operated in accordance with some time interval after an initiating impulse, such as operating a camera shutter, or setting off a charge of explosive, after a predetermined time interval. By such a means for coupling the timeractuator with the mounting plate, it is feasible to have a less number of the actuator mechanisms, and shift them to the particular installation where they are needed at the time.

The timer-actuator unit itself, which is so readily movable from one mounting plate to another, is mounted within a rigid housing that also forms the framework of bearings and journals for the moving parts, thereby eliminating a number of small parts of structure. A hollow casing with one side open and fitted with a platform at the open side encloses the power developing means and the time interval means in such manner the spring device furnishing the power and the gearing that it drives is rigidly supported to withstand shock of hitting the ground without displacing or misaligning the bearings. The cover being assembled and sealed prevents the entry of moisture and protects the working parts against corrosion and entry of dust or other particles that might interfere with the working parts. Disposed between the cover andthe mounting plate are the safety levers and looks that insure that the actuator cable cannot be attached to the device to be actuated in its set condition until the power device is fully wound up. That also includes a device that requires the spring to be wound up before the selector for the time interval can be set. Thus, if the actuator cable is attached to the device to be actuated, and if the time is selected, then the unit must be in condition to operate as soon as the trip pin is released.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred embodiment of the present invention is clearly shown.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a timer-actuator with the component parts arranged as if attached and set for tripping prior to its operation.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of a timer-actuator shown in Fig. l, but having the cap protecting the time selector and winding stem removed.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the timeractuator, substantially as indicated by the irregular line with arrows 3-3 of Fig. 2, the relation of parts being shown in power available condition.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the mechanism as seen along the line and arrows 44 of Fig. 3 after the cover to the power mechanism has been removed, the parts being in the power expended relation ready to be wound up and set for a specific time interval.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view with parts broken away, somewhat as seen along the section line and in the direction of the arrows 5-5 of Fig. 3, the parts being in the power available condition.

Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the shaft assembly and selector assembly to aid in illustrating the operating mechanism.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view on an enlarged scale of the safety provisions by which the time selector cannot be set before the device is wound up for operation.

Fig. 8 is a similar view showing certain parts in a diiferent position.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view in section through the winding and selecting assembly showing the provisions for selecting the time interval and for withdrawing the actuator cable.

Fig. is a fragmentary sectional view showing the relation of the protective cap when in place.

With particular reference to the drawings, it refers to a mounting plate designed to be attached to a parcel or structure from which, or in relation to which, some delayed action is to be performed. In order to best serve the purpose, the mounting plate I9 is provided with closely spaced holes l2 along its periphery and lending to securment to the parcel or structure by lacings or stitches such as in sewing with cords or strands. The mounting plate also provides larger holes Hi at the corners or other selected points receivable of a number of lacings, or even rivets, screws and the like by which the plate is adapted for other and rigid mounting. At each end of the mounting plate there is a strap or loop IE and ii of rigid material fixed at opposite ends by rivets or the like l8 and having the intermediate portion bowed away from the mounting plate it to provide a socket element receptive of a tongue or lug 23, 22 located on the opposite ends of a housin member 24.

The housing member 2a is of less overall length than is the distance between the straps, and the tongues 2t, '22 are of unequal length, such that due to the fiexibleness' of the mounting plate it, the long tongue 22 may be inserted under its corresponding strap ll far enough to permit the end of the short tongue '29 clearing the near edge of its corresponding strap it, and permitting the housing member 2d then to be shifted end-wise along the mounting plate to insert the short tongue so under its corresponding strap it to the position somewhat as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. A single screw 26 is then threaded through the strap l? and the tongue 22 which definitely locates the housing member 2 3 with respect to the mounting plate ill, for a purpose presently to be explained.

The housing member 24; supports and encloses substantially all of the working parts of the timer-actuator as will presently appear. Seals are provided at all junctures so that the mechanism inside is protected against moisture, dust and gasses that might interfere with the fidelity of its operation. The housing member is of integral cast metal forming a rectangular box open on one side and there terminating in a rabbeted edge 23 that cooperates with the flange 30 of a cover 32, that joint, when finally assembled, being sealed with pitch or the like. The cover 32 is held in assembled relation with the housing member 24. by means of hold down screws 3 5 threading through corner apertures of the cover 32, thence through spacers as disposed between the cover and the corners of a platform 38 and into bosses 6E3 at the inside of the corners of the housing member 25%. The holddown screws 354 also operate to secure anchoring clips firmly associated with respect to the unit as will presently appear in subsequent description, where further details of the housing and cover will be set out with respect to their associated features.

The platform 38 forms a supporting plate, and with the bottom d2 of the housing member 2d when secured together form the frame members for the power device and. the timing mechanism enclosed within. Journals are provided in the platform 32 by through holes that align with pockets or cylindrical recesses drilled almost through the bottom wall 52, as shown in Fig. 3.

Thus, the power device consists of a winding shaft 4 3 and a relatively rotatable sleeve 46 con centrically associated and journalled at 48 andin the platform 38 and bottom wall 42. The lower end of the winding shaft 44 provides a flange 52 between the bottom wall 42 and a non-' rounded portion 54 received in a driving plate 56, the flange 52 spacing the driving plate 56 from the bottom wall 42. The driving plate 56 is circular in contour about the winding shaft it and has peripheral notches matching and 00- operating with tongues and notches on the rim of a cup-like spring housing 58 whose end wall '59 is journalled about the sleeve 46, and the relation of parts is such that any torque applied to the shaft 44 is transmitted through 54 and 56 to the spring housing 58 and vice versa.

Completely enclosed within the spring housing 58 there is a spiral spring 60 whose outer end in anchored at 62 to the cylindrical wall of the spring housing, and whose inner end is anchored at (i l to the sleeve 4'8. The shaft assembly consisting of the winding shaft 44 and the sleeve 46 extend upwardly through the bearing d8 to cooperate with other parts not enclosed within the housing formed by the members 2 8 and 38. The sleeve ifi extends far enough above the platform 38 to provide a pair of driving tongues 66 engaging notches or recesses 6'! at the center of a stop plate 68, the tongues 66 providing ratchet faces it cooperating with recesses in the end face of a cable spool 12 slidable and rotatable upon the winding shaft That construction provides a rigid driving relation between the sleeve t6 and the stop plate '68, while the cable spool l2 has a one way drive connection with the end of the sleeve 46, but is rotatable in either direction relative to the winding shaft 44. The winding shaft it extends through the stop plate 68, the cable spool l2, and a selector knob E4 to end in a squared or other key receiving portion 16 accessible from outside of a turret portion 18 of the cover 32. Both the spool 12 and the selector knob it are 'slidable axially of and are reversely K rotatable with respect to the winding shaft 34,

but are urged in one direction alon the winding shaft "a l by means of a spring engaging the inside of the top '82 of the turret and a flange 84 of the selector knob. The spring 30 pushes the knob "it downward against the spool 12 and the latter downward against the driving tongues 66.

Attached to the selector knob M, such as by the flange '84, there is a depending web 85 having a pin-like end 88 extending through an arcuate slot 96 in the platform 38 to engage in any one of a plurality-0f holes s2 in a gear 94. The gear S53 is journaled to .rotate on the sleeve shaft 46 between the platform 38 and the end wall 59 of the spring housing 5%,with which the gear 9:3 has a one way driving relation through leaf springs 9d secured to the gear 94 and ratcheting into notches 85 on the end wall of the spring housing 58. 'The'g'ear 9d meshes in driving relation with a pinion 98 on a shaft EGG journaled at [B2 and li t in the platform 38 and bottom wall 42, and driving a gear which in turn drives a second pinion on .a shaft I it journaled at l l2 and! M to rotate an escapement wheel H6 cooperable with the pallets H8 and Hi] onan arm 122 secured to a shaft lZ journaled at I26 and I28. 'By that arrangement, the gear 5536 :is disposed in the-space provided by the spacingnange 52, and the remaining of the gear train for the timing mechanism is compactly arranged. To provide for adjustment of the escapement device, the

journal I26 for the shaftI24 is provided at a point eccentric of the center of a disc :38 rotatably secured ,inthe platform 38, so that rotation of the disc I38 will move the pallets H8 and I28 inward or outward with respect to the teeth of the escapem ent wheel I I6. When adjustment is satisfactory, staking of the surrounding metal of the platform 38 into the screwdriver slot of the disc L38 will secure it against movement. The arm I22 terminates in weight member I32 of sufiicient mass to retard the ratcheting of the pallets H8 and I20 over the teeth of the escapement wheel. The arm I22 also provides a crotch or receptacle I34 for engagement with a pin, rod or like device I36 for restraining operation of the escapement, such as before tripping.

The device I36 may be a rigid member attached to the end of a cable I88 or the like, but in all events is guided in a hollow boss I48 extending from the end of the housing member 28, such thatwhen in place the member 86 interrupts the oscillation of the arm I22 and movement of the escapement wheel H6. If operation of the escapement is prevented, then the gear 84- can not be driven by the spring 68, wherefore the operation of the timer-actuator is wholly controlled by the member I36. The power device can be energized, that is, the spring 68 can be wound up by means of the appropriate key I42 inserted within the countersink l l i of the knob I4 and fitted over the squared portion it of the winding shaft 44. Looking down on the top of the timer-actuator unit, winding is accomplished by turning the shaft 44 in a clockwise direction, and that drives the spring housing 58 in a clockwise direction to ratchet beneath the gear 66 which is held against turning by the pin E36 engaging the crotch I34. During this winding the inner end of the spring 68 is held fast by the sleeve 46 which is prevented from turning by reason of the lock plate 68 whose notches 67 receive the driving tongues 66 of the sleeve 46. The lock plate is so called because of the peripheral notch I46 that is engaged by the lock arm I48 carried bya shaft I58 and pivoted in the housing and its platform. A spring 552 wound about the shaft E58 bears against the sidewall of the housing 28 and urges the arm I 88 against the edge of the lock plate 68 and into the notch I46 when they'are in radial alignment.

When the power spring 66 is about fully wound up, the outermost turn of the springfiil withdraws from engagement with the inside ofthe spring housing 58 to uncover a slot I54 in the spring housing through which an arm The arm I56 is carried by a shaft I56 journalled in the housing members and projects upward through the mounting plate 38 to carry a cam lever I58. As the cam lever I68 oscillates in re sponse to the lever I56 falling into the slot i5='i, it swings the tail end 562 of a safety latch 58 t in a clockwise direction to withdraw the hook 166 from a notch I 68 in the edge of lower flange 528 of the spool I2. The flange has three such notches into any one of which the hook I66 may fall when the lever 556 is riding on the periphery of the spring housing 58. Since the lever Hi6 can enter the notch I54 only when the spring has been tightly wound up so that the outside turn of the spring is withdrawn from the aperture,

then it is obvious thatthe hook 166 can here-.-

5 ands, where the latch lever I54 is pivoted at I56 projects.

I12 tothe mounting plate 38 and has a leaf spring I'M anchored to it and bowed to have one lap or free end pressing against theend of the cam lever I68 such as at II6. Whilethe hook I66is seated in one of the notches I 68 the spool I2 cannot be rotated in a counterclockwise direction which must be done in order to unwind an actuator cable I78. As shown in Fig. 5 the cable II8 comes in from the left and is secured at its end to the flange H8 at I88, so that it may be wound around the spool when the spring 68 is finally released.

To determine the period of time after the initial'tripping by withdrawal of the pin, I36 at which the cable I18 will be actuated, the knob I4, Fig. 3 and Fig. 9, is pulled outwardly and rotated to the indicated number on the scale marked on the upper face of the turret 18 of the cover 32 as shown in Fig. 2. To facilitate that selection the knob I4 has a pointer I82 whichisdisposed overthe point 88 on the lower end of the web 86. To start with when the time selection is made, the point 88 occupies the end hole 92a, that is at the zero position of the scale, or against. the right hand end of the arcuate slot 98, as indicated in Fig. 7 in dotted line section. While in that position, the lever I48 is held outward free of the notch I46 of the lock plate 68, which is the stop position of the power device after it has actuated the cable. Pulling outward of the knob I4 withdraws the point 88 from that hole 92a in the gear 96 suilicient to permit turning the knob to any other hole of the series thatare exposed through the arcuate slot 98, providing the safety lever hook I66 is withdrawn'from the notches I68 of the flange IIll. But since the hook is withdrawn only when the spring is fully wound up, the selection for time can be made only when the sprin is wound up. These features are shown in the fragmentary showing of Fig. 7, where the web 86 is shown in the angular space between the end of the slot 98 and the end of the lever hook I66.

. Thus, when the power spring 68 is unwound, no appreciable amount of time for operation can be selected, but the pin 88 can be removed from a position holding the lock lever I48 released, sufflcient to permit engagement of the lock and wind of the power device as will presently appear.

When the knob I4 is raised or pulled outwardly it slides on the winding shaft 44 to compress the spring 88 and also raises the spool I2 to disengage the driving tongues fifi. If the safety hook N36 is disengaged from the notch I68 when the spool is raised, then the cable I78 may be pulled out. Extending radially inward from the web 88 there is a tongue or lug I84 that is disposed beneath the upper flange I86 of the spool I2, and

which acts to pull the spool I2 away from the lock plate 68 somewhat as shown in Fig. 9. The

pin 88 is now withdrawn from one of the holes 92 in the gear 98 sufficient that the knob may be turned to another hole. The camming portion of the web is still wide enough and low enough that release of the knob will not permit the web to hang up on the top of the lever I64. The web 86 is reduced at shoulder I88 to join the pin 88. The lever I64 is also thick enough at the hook end I 66 that the flange I78 will not be disengaged at the notch I68 in case the knob and spool are raised while the power spring 68 is unwound.

To protect the selector knob and the winding shaft,to guard against any accidental derangement of the device when wound and set for on eration, and to complete the hermetical seal of the timer-actuator, a cap I96 fits over the knob 74 where it is retained by headed pins I92 secured to the top 82 of the turret I8. As shown in Fig. 10, the inside of the cap I96 carries a compressible seal ring I94 such as resilient rubber or rubber-like material, that engages the face of the turret top 82 and is somewhat compressed as the cap is depressed to enter the heads of the pins I92 in the round part of key-hole shaped slots I96 in the face of the cap I98. That depression of the cap not only compresses the ring I94 but also approaches the face ofv the knob I4 so closely that the knob'cannot be displaced enough to permit withdrawal of the pin 88 from the holes 92 clockwise rotation of the cap holds the parts in that relation. Thus, no change in the setting or winding of the timer-actuator can be made until the cap I98 is removed. Neither can any foreign matter like dust and moisture enter the unit to interfere with its working properly.

When the timer-actuator is completely assembled, particularly as shown in Fig. l, clamp brackets I98 and 288 are attached at each end of the housing assembly by means of the holddown screws 34. The bracket I88 provides a half cylindrical loop 202 mating with a similar reversed loop on a clip 286 beneath it, that secures one end of a flexible armor 288 when clamped to the bracket I98 by screw devices 2I8. A rubberlike grommet 2I2 carried by the circular wall of the turret is disposed about the actuator cable Il8 which also passes through the armor 288 to end With a fitting 2I4. The free end of the armor 288 is fitted with a ferrule M6 to protect the sharp edges and make for smooth entry of the fitting 2I4 when the cable I78 is being assembled. The bracket 288 is secured to the opposite end of the unit by the screws 34 and cooperate with a similar clip 2I8 held together by screw devices 228 to clamp the end of an armor 222 that encloses the trip element I86. A resilient rubber sleeve 224 frictionally engaging over the guide boss I48 also fits sufiiciently tight over the trip element I36 when it is in place that the seal of the housing for the unit is complete.

The timer-actuator unit, wound, set, and properly conditioned for performing a selected operation is illustrated in Fig. 1. When the timer-actuator unit is completely assembled it is characterized by having a standard length or dimension between a pair of reference points,

such as from the center of screw 26 to the socket 226 of the fitting 2I4, when the cable I18 is fully withdrawn from the spool. A connecting member 239 with its terminal member 228 is coupled to the fitting 2I4 to provide the additional lengthnecessary to hook onto the device to be actuated. Thereby, the'necessary length or distance between the reference point 26 and the point of connection to a device to be operated is made up by the standard length of the timer actuator unit plus a certain length of the member 238, whose free end is usually fitted with a quick disconnect element cooperating with a suitable part on the device to be operated, such as the pin lock for a parachute release. Adaptation of the timer-actuator unit to a different type of installation only involves pullin the terminal connection EM, 228 from the armor 288, disconnecting the member 238 and replacing it with one of the proper dimension Operation Assuming that the timer-actuator unit is properly secured to the mounting plate I0 and in the power expended condition, the spring 60 will be completely unwound and the actuator cable I18 will be wound about the spool I2 between the flanges I78 and I86. The lever I56 will be riding somewhere along the outer periphery of the spring housing 58 which biases the safety latch I64 into engagement with the notch I68 of the spool flange I18. The selecting pin 88 will be disposed in the end or zero hole 92, as indicated by dotted lines at 92a in Fig. 7. The lever I48 will be held disengaged from the notch I46 as shown in Fig. 7, by the web 86 of the selector knob when the pin 88 is in hole 92a, though the web is shown in the hole 920 for other reasons. The lock lever I48 therefore will not engage the edge of the lock plate 68. The cable I18 will be wound about the spool 12, and the cap I will be in place as shown in Figs. 1 and 10. The trip pin I36 will be withdrawn from the crotch I34. These are the conditions of the unit just after the power device has expended itself.

To condition the unit fora subsequent operation a definite sequence of actions should be made and some actions must be made in a definite sequence. It is desirable that the trip pin I36 be first inserted in the boss I48 to engage the crotch E34 which prevents movement of the timing gear train. That prevents the gear 94 moving. The cap I98 is rotated counter-clockwise to disengage the pins I92 from the narrow part of the slots I96, so that the cap may be withdrawn from over the knob I4 to expose the knob and the winding stem 44. The cap I90 must be removed before either the power device can be wound up or the time of delay can be selected. Before the spring .68 is wound up the knob is pulled outward and turned clockwise far enough to disengage the web 86 from the lever I48 and let it engage the edge of plate 68. That will locate the pin 88 in one of the holes 92b or 920 as shown in Fig. 7. It cannot be moved further because of engagement with the end of the lever I64 whose hook I66 now engages in the notch I68 of the spool. The slight movement of the selector pin from the hole 92a permits the end of lock lever I48 to ride on the periphery of the lock plate 68. Applying the winding key I42 to the squared portion I6 of the winding shaft 44 permits rewinding of the spring 68.

Winding is accomplished by turning the shaft 44 in a clockwise direction. The shaft assembly will rotate clockwise with the spring housing ratcheting against the detent springs 96 carried beneath the gear 94. Soon the lock plate 68 will turn far enough that the end of the lever I48 engages the notch I46 and forms a positive step for further rotation of the sleeve 46 and the inner end of the spring 69. Further rotation of the shaft .4 causes the spring to be rewound as shown in Fig. 3. It must be fully rewound so that the outermost turn Withdraws from against the inside of the spring housing 58, such as shown in Fig. 5. That permits the end of lever I56 to enter the slot I54 of the spring housing 58 which permits rocking of the shaft I58 and rocking of the cam lever I69 in a counter-clockwise direction which rocks the safety lever I64 clockwise and withdraws the hook I66 from the notch I88, substantially as shown in Figs. 5 and 8. Only now, may the web 86 be moved past the hee s. IE5 or th lever I64,

Selection of the interval for operation of the timing device is now made by pulling the knob 14 outward of the cover 32 and rotating to the hole 92 desired, and as indicated by the scale on the face of the turret 7801 Fig. 2. There the pointer I82 indicates a selection of 26 seconds that must elapse after removal of the trip element [36 before the lock lever I48 is lifted. In Fig; 7, the pin 88 isshown as disposed in hole 920 which by comparison with the scale shown in Fig. 2, indicates a selection for 3 seconds. Whatever the selection, the pin 88 which is directly beneath the pointer I82, is disposed in one of the holes 92 when the knob is released. At the time that the knob I4 is raised up for selection of the time interval, the spool 12 is also raised from the lock plate 68 as shown in Fig. 9. The safety hook I66 being withdrawn from the notch 168 as shown in Fig. 5, the actuator cable I18 may now be withdrawn orunwound from the 1.

spool "I2 by pulling of the member 230. With the spring fully rewound, and the time selection having been made with the actuator cable pulled out as far as it will come, the actuator cable can be attached to a new device, or the device incorporating the element 230 can be reset for operation. The protective cap I90 is then replaced and secured by a slight turn. Nothing can then unintentionally disturb the unit. To set the actuator unit into operation, the trip pin I36 is removed from its holdingposition in the crotch of the arm I22. That releases the escape mechanism so that the gear 94 may new drive the time gear train. The gear 94 now rotates in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 5 and carries 1 with it the selecting pin 88 and attached web 86 to something like the position shown in Fig. 8 where the web 86 by reason of its angular inclination cams past the hook oi the safety lever Hi4 and finally engages the side of the lock lever M8. The lever M8 is cammed outwardly as the web moves on to the end of the slot 99, until the end of the lever is disengaged from the notch [46. That condition of the lever M8 is shown in Fig. '7. The remaining ener y of the spring 60 now drives the spool 12 in a clockwisedirection with such surge of power that a veryiorceful yank or tug is delivered to the actuator cable l'iB which operates the device incorporated with the element 230.

While the embodiments of the present invention as herein disclosed, constitute preferred forms, it -is to be understood that other forms might be adopted, allcoming within the scope of the claims which follow.

"Whatis claimed is as follows:

1. In a timer-actuator for effecting operation of a device at the end of a time interval after a predetermined initiation, the combination comprising, a mounting plate permanently fixed on and'relative to the device to be operated, a power driven actuator assembl removably secured to the mounting plate and having an actuator cable adapted to be coupled with the device to be actuated, a spool driven by the power assembly for storing the actuator cable, means for activating the power driven assembly, and means preventing withdrawal of the stored cable and delaying the coupling of the actuator cable with the device to be actuated until the power drivenassembly has been fully activated whereby the timer-actuator can be operatively connected with the I device to be operated only iffthepower means is sufficiently reactivated with suii icient energy to effect the desired operation when initiated.

2. In a timer-actuator for eifecting operation of a device at the end of a time interval after a. predetermined initiation, the combination comprising, a mounting plate secured at a fixed distance' relative to the device to be operated, an actuator assembly removably secured to the mounting plate and adapted to be quickly shifted from one plate mounting to another, said actuator assembly having a time consuming gear train, a spring power device for actuating the train, trip means for restraining the train against movement b the power device, a selector means for determining the extent of time the train will be driven after the trip is actuated, a

=- spool and cable adapted to be driven by the same spring power device as soon as the selected time interval has elapsed, and safety means insuring that the spring power device is fully restored each time before that cable on the spool can bewit'h drawn to be coupled with the device to be actuated.

3. In a, timer-actuator, a housing including a pair of spacedwalls, a power device providing a concentricshaft and sleeve journalled in the said walls, a power spring yieldably coupling the shaft and sleeve for relative angular movement, a time gear train to be driven by said shaft, means for selecting the interval that the time gear train shall be driven, a cable spool to .be driven by said sleeve, means for resisting drive of the cable spool until the selected interval of time gear train has elapsed, means for withholding the start of time gear train, and means including a part f said selecting means for overcoming the said resisting means to start the drive of said cable spool, and means responding to the spent condition of said power spring for preventing the selection of an interval of time for the time gear train until the power spring has been restored to its full efficiency.

4. In a timer actuator, a pair of spaced plates, a power device disposed between the plates and journaled therein, said power device including a winding stem, a concentric sleeve and a coiled spring connecting the stem and sleeve for relative rotation, a gear train disposed between the plates and having a driven gear journaled concentric of the sleeve, said sleeve and stem extending through one of the plates to receive a lock plate and spool respectively, driving means between the lock plate and thesleeve, said spool being journaled on the stem and having a one way drive connection with said sleeve extension, a lock lever on one of said plates operable to prevent rotation of said lock plate while said spring is being wound up, means operated by thesaid driven gear for displacing the lock lever after an interval of gear train operation, and means carried by the winding stem for selecting the time interval, to elapse before the lock lever is displaced. i

"5. In a timer actuator, a pair of spaced plates, at power device disposed between the plates and journaled therein, said power device including a winding stem, a concentric sleeve and a coiled spring connecting the stem and sleeve for relative rotation-a time consuming gear train having a main gear with one way driving connections with said power device, lock means pivoted to one of said plates for releasably preventing rotation of the sleeve, a cable spool journaled on 2 said stem and adapted for one way drive'by said sleeve, selector means engageable with said main gear for determining the time of run'for the time Consuming gear train, and means in- .a power spring connecting the sleeve shaft and Winding shaft for relative rotation, a time consuming gear train having a main gear driven by said winding shaft, a selector journaled on said winding shaft and engageable with holes in said main gear for determining the interval of run for the time consuming gear train, lock means preventing rotation of the sleeve shaft while the time consuming gear train is being driven, a cable spool rotatably mounted on the Winding Shaft and having a separable driven relation with said sleeve shaft, cam means incorporated in the lock means engageable by the selector means at the conclusion of run of the time consuming gear train for releasing the lock means whereby the remaining energy of the power spring will drive the cable spool toforcefully wind up the actuator cable.

7. In a timer-actuator, a pair of spaced plates, a sleeve shaft journaled for rotation in one of said plates, a winding shaft journaled for rotation in said sleeveand in the other of said plates,

,a power spring connecting the sleeve shaft and winding shaft for relative rotation, a time consuming gear train having a main earjournaled on the sleeve shaft and adapted to be driven by the winding shaft when the winding shaft rotatesrelative to the sleeve shaft, a cable carrying spool journaled on the winding shaft and adapted to be driven b the sleeve shaft when the sleeve shaft rotates relative to the winding shaft, releasable means preventing run of the time consuming gear train, releasable lock means preventing rotation of the sleeve shaft and cable spool While the time consuming gear train is in operation, selector means for determining the interval of operation of the time consuming gear train, means actuated by the selector means for releasing the lock means to then dri e the cable spool, and means operated incident to an exhausted power spring preventing unwind of the cable and selection of a time interval of the run of thetme consuming gear train until the power spring has been completely rewound.

8. In a timer-actuator for effecting operation of a member a selected time after an initial act is performed, a housing and platform rigidly secured together to provide a pair of parallel walls, .a spring powerdevice enclosed within the parallel walls and providing a pair of concentric shaft elements extending through the platform, a time consuming escapement located between the said walls and driven by the spring power device, means projecting into the housin for selectively arresting movement of the escapement means outside of theparallel walls for selecting the interval of time that the escapement will be driven, and means controlled by the status of the spring power device between the parallel walls that prevent the selecting of the time interval until the spring device has been restored to full available power.

9. In atimer-actuator for effecting operation of a member a selected time after an initial act is performed, a housing and platform rigidly secured together to provide a pair of parallel walls, a spring power device enclosed within the parallel walls and providing a pair of conc ntric shaft elements extending through the platform,

a time consuming escapement locatedbetween the said walls and driven by the spring power device, means projecting intothe housing for selective- 1y arrestin movement of the escapement, means outside of the parallel walls for selecting the interval of time that the escapement will be driven, a releasable lock device carried by the platform and engageable with one of said shaft elements, a cable spool to be driven upon release of said lock device, means including the other of said concentric shaft elements for winding the spring device, means restricting the selection of time interval until the spring device has been fully rewound, and means actuated at the concluding end of the selected time interval of escapement run for unlocking the releasable lock device.

10. In a timer-actuator for effecting operation of a member a selected time after an initial act is performed, a housing and platform rigidly secured together to provide a pair of parallel walls, said housing comprising an open sided box of integral construction and the platform closing the open side thereof, a spring driven escapement mechanism journaled in the housing and platform and disposed between the walls, there being a pair of shaft elements projecting through the platform, a notched plate driven by one of the shafts, a cable carrying spool rotatable on the other shaft but driven by the first identified shaft, means operable upon said other shaft for winding the-spring driven escapement, a lever engageable with the notched plate for arresting its rotation, means for selecting the time that the escapement will run, and means for releasing the shaft look at the conclusion of the escapement run.

11. In a timer actuator for effecting operation of a member a selected time after an initial act is performed, a housing and platform rigidly secured together to provide a pair of parallel walls, said housing comprising an open sided box of integral construction and the platform closing the open side thereof, a spring driven escapement mechanism disposed between andjournaled in the housing and platform, there being a pair of shaft elements projecting through the platform, lock means engaging one of the shafts, a cable spool carried by the other shaft, and safety means engaging the cable spool to prevent unwind of cable until the spring driven escapement has been rewound, and cap and cover means cooperating with the said housing for enclosing the timeractuator mechanism and isolating the working parts against the effects of foreign matter.

12. In a timer-actuator for performing an act of force a selected interval of time after a tripping member is actuated, a cable carrying spool, a spring powered device for driving the spool, having a winding shaft and a driving shaft, an escapement gearing driven by the spring powered device, and including a main gear journaled on the driving shaft, time selecting means journaled on the winding shaft and having a pin engageable with a selected one of holes in the main gear, lock means restraining rotation of the driving shaft when the winding shaft is being rotated to wind the spring powered device and when the spring powered device is driving the escapement gearing, means including a part of the time selecting means for releasing the lock means at the conclusion of the escapement run so that the remaining energy of the spring powered device will drive the cable carrying spool.

13. The combination set forth in claim-12 wherein case elements completely enclose the mechanism, a tripping member extends through one of the case elements to engage the escapement gearing, a flexible cable extends through one of the case elements to connect with the cable carrying spool, and a knob extending through one of the case elements to actuate the time selecting means, sealing means at all junctures of the case members, and seal means embracing all extensions into the case elements to isolate the working mechanism against outside matter.

14. In a timer-actuator for performing an act of force a selected interval of time after a tripping member is actuated, a cable carrying spool, a, spring powered device for driving the spool, having a windin shaft and a driving shaft, an escapement gearing driven by the spring powered device, and including a main gear journaled on the driving shaft, case members enclosing the spring powered device and thevescapement gearing, said winding shaft and driving shaft being concentric and having a journal bearing in one of said case members, a notched plate driven by an extension of said driving shaft, a lock lever pivotally supported by said one case member and adapted to arrest movement of said notched plate, said cable carrying spool being rotatably supported by an extension of the winding shaft and adapted for one way drive by said driving shaft, a selector knob rotatable upon the extended winding shaft and having an arm spanning the cable carrying spool and the notched plate to engage within any one of a series of holes in the main gear of the escapement gearing, the said one case member having an arcuate slot concentric with the journal of said shafts, through which arcuate slot the selector arm may pass to enter the selected hole in the main gear, and along which arcuate slot the arm may travel while the spring powered device is driving the escapement gearing.

15. In a timer-actuator, a pair of concentric shafts, a spring housing drivingly connected with one of said shafts, a coil spring connected at its ends to the spring housing and to the other of the shafts whereby the concentric shafts are relatively rotatable within the limits of the con-- nected spring, case members rotatably supporting the shafts, said shafts extending through one of the case members, a gear in clutching engagement with said spring housing and journaled about the extension of said shafts, escapement means driven by said gear, a cable carrying spool rotatable upon the extension of one of said shafts and having clutching engagement with the other of said shafts, a knob and pointer axially and rotatably movable on one of said shaft exten sions and having means engageable with the spool for disengaging the clutching engagement with said other shaft, means for winding the spring to drive the escapement means and to rotate the cable carrying spool at the conclusion of the escapement run, and means for selecting the time interval of escapement run only after the spring has been rewound, including a circular row of holes in said gear concentric with its journal on the shaft extensions, an arcuate slot in the case member concentric with the rotatable support for the shafts and disposed over the holes in said gear, an arm on said knob having a pin engageable in any of the holes of said gear, a lock lever pivoted to the said one case member and extending over one end of said arcuate slot to arrest rotation of said shaft adapted to drive the spool, a safety latch pivoted to said one case member and extending across the said arcuate slot to arrest rotationof said spool, and actuating means responsive to full rewind of the spring for withdrawing the safety latch from engagement with the cable carrying spool, said latch and lock lever being in the path of movement of said knob arm and adapted for camming movement by said arm while the escapement is being driven by the spring, said lock lever being released at the conclusion of the escapement run by the movement of said knob arm.

16. The combination set forth in claim 12 wherein) case elements completely enclose the spring powered device and the escapement gearing and the time selecting means includes a knob journalled on the winding shaft and in one of the case members to be operated from without the ease members, a protective cap secured to the said one case member to maintain the time selecting means in the selected position, toprevent disturbance of the selector knob, and to isolate the selector mechanism from any disturbing agencies so long as the cap is in place, seal means at all junctures of the case elements and a gasket compressed by the protective cap when in place to prevent the entrance of any foreign matter that might interfere with the proper working of the timer actuator when the unit is tripped for operation.

WILLIAM H. KUNTZ.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of recordin the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

